Son, Brother, Protector, Caretaker, Provider - Our Father!

Leon Clifford Nerpel was born in a little cabin north of Carpenter Lake North Dakota on December 26, 1931. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in Oregon City, OR March 23, 2023 at the age of 91.

He graduated from Rolla ND High School at the age of 16 and worked a few years before joining the Air Force and marrying Laura James in 1951. They would have five children, Kenny, Peggy, George, Mary and Beth. Leon served in the newly created Air Force Military Police and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, the Korean Service Medal, as well as several other awards.

After his discharge in 1953, he moved Laura and the older children to Oaks, ND and opened a Red Owl Grocery Store where he worked until 1956. The family then moved to Great Falls, MT and he began a new career driving long haul trucking routes. Leon moved from trucking to working as a baker at Eddie's Bakery. Along with working at the bakery, he was also president and business agent for the Bakers Union for over 20 years. On his off hours he enjoyed entertaining extended family and friends at his home and taking his children hunting and fishing. In 1974 Leon, Laura and their 2 youngest children moved to Beavercreek, OR. In 1979 Leon, Laura and Beth moved to Helena, MT and in 1981 Leon and Laura divorced and Leon moved back to Oregon. It is there that he met his landlady, Delores Laird. They fell in love and were married in 1983 and lived happily together for 29 years before her passing in 2012.

Dad is preceded in death by his wives, Laura and Dolores, parents, siblings-Evelyn, Raymond and Lyle. Grandsons Max and Sam and daughter Mary. He is survived by his remaining children and stepson, their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.